My first attempt at a pre-trip report...

[NOLAdisneymom]

my fav Restaurants are:
Coral Reef EP
Hoopty Doo Revew FW
Crystal Palace MK
Princess Storybook Dining at Restaurant Akershus EP

Restaurants i have reservations for this TRIP !! YAY but never attended

Donalds Tusker House AK
San Angel Inn EP
vine and dine playhouse Disney HS
Tony's Italian restaurant MK
POLY DInner SHow Luau!! Poly
rainforest Cafe IN AK

Restaurants i do not care for..
SCI fi.. ( Food was BAD when we ate there.. IT was FREEZING too in the Restaurant.. very uncomfortable that visit) PLUS.. the wait WITH ressies was 2 hoursssssssss.. ill never go back there..
50's Prime time cafe,,, ehh, im not one for the 50;s decor and Food. I dont like wasteing my Table Service on a Burger .. and i HATE Meatloaf! BARF!!! so this just isnt my style so.. pretty much im screwed when we goto HS!! LOL!! im hoping the Vine and dine is good! we will see
some people LOVE these places.. i just dont.. my opinion! either way, its disney, your going to have a great time!!!


[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/SIZE][/QUOTE]


I was a bit nervous about SciFi, but the kids are SET on going there! I've heard mixed reviews about Prime Time, too, and like you, I am also not a fan of 50's decor, so we will be skipping that. Thanks for the tips!

 

[NOLAdisneymom]

I'm staying at POP 2/28-3/7 & have no clue where to start w/ the planning!! I don't know which park to do the first day! Ahhh..so much planning to do!

Hi!
By no means am I an expert planner (there are a bunch of those on here, tho!) but we did our ADR's first, right after booking, then we had time to leisurely put together our travel plans and touring plan. Are you doing a PTR?

 

[longing2Batdisney]

I'm staying at POP 2/28-3/7 & have no clue where to start w/ the planning!! I don't know which park to do the first day! Ahhh..so much planning to do!

Hi!
By no means am I an expert planner (there are a bunch of those on here, tho!) but we did our ADR's first, right after booking, then we had time to leisurely put together our travel plans and touring plan. Are you doing a PTR?

by using a PTR it helps to put it in perspective and so many dissers are annual trekkers and have been going for so many years you get the chance to get opinions on how to work things out. Than, work it out to your families needs, wants, and expectations...not to mention it is ooooddles of fun getting to know fellow dissers!

Good luck and happy planning!!

 

[NOLAdisneymom]

by using a PTR it helps to put it in perspective and so many dissers are annual trekkers and have been going for so many years you get the chance to get opinions on how to work things out. Than, work it out to your families needs, wants, and expectations...not to mention it is ooooddles of fun getting to know fellow dissers!

Good luck and happy planning!!

I agree - I LOVE talking to these fellow DISers! I have a small notebook already filled with tips and suggestions for my trip! It was supposed to be for me to take notes for my TR while we are there, but I think I'm going to need a new one!

 

[laashley]

I'm making a tentative list:based on the most recommendations..
Earl of Sandwich
Flame Tree
Pecos Bill
Sunshine Seasons
Starring Rolls..

I think you will love the cs' listed. I haven't been to Earl of Sandwich, but I am looking forward to it this trip. We did eat at Wolfgang Puck Express in April and it was delish!

DH has agreed, and is even excited, to go back to DW in October 2011! We will take my DS9, well, he'll be 10 at that time! I'm so excited to have another trip in the works before we even go on this one!

Now, if they do free dining again, we'll be all set!

Guys, we LOVE food. Like, above most other things.
One of our favorite things to do is to stay home on the weekends, have people over and COOK COOK COOK! So FREE dining was a huge blessing to me! I had been planning on bringing cereal and poptarts and sandwich making, etc.. and now.. I don't have to.

Ahhhhh.. life is good.

Woohoo for 2 trips in the plans! Good luck on free dining for october 2011. This year disney blocked out the week we are going, luckily we were sent a special pin for free dining. The dining plan is definitely the way to go, and having it free sweetens the deal!

 

[TaylorsLoveDisney]

my fav Restaurants are:
Coral Reef EP
Hoopty Doo Revew FW
Crystal Palace MK
Princess Storybook Dining at Restaurant Akershus EP

Restaurants i have reservations for this TRIP !! YAY but never attended

Donalds Tusker House AK
San Angel Inn EP
vine and dine playhouse Disney HS
Tony's Italian restaurant MK
POLY DInner SHow Luau!! Poly
rainforest Cafe IN AK

Restaurants i do not care for..
SCI fi.. ( Food was BAD when we ate there.. IT was FREEZING too in the Restaurant.. very uncomfortable that visit) PLUS.. the wait WITH ressies was 2 hoursssssssss.. ill never go back there..
50's Prime time cafe,,, ehh, im not one for the 50;s decor and Food. I dont like wasteing my Table Service on a Burger .. and i HATE Meatloaf! BARF!!! so this just isnt my style so.. pretty much im screwed when we goto HS!! LOL!! im hoping the Vine and dine is good! we will see
some people LOVE these places.. i just dont.. my opinion! either way, its disney, your going to have a great time!!!


[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/SIZE]

I was a bit nervous about SciFi, but the kids are SET on going there! I've heard mixed reviews about Prime Time, too, and like you, I am also not a fan of 50's decor, so we will be skipping that. Thanks for the tips![/QUOTE]


yea,.. the cars and watching a movie is fun for the kids!! its alll about making them happy so i totally get it!

 

[NOLAdisneymom]

Here's what we have so far:

Friday, Nov 19... I have INVENTORY at work.. I couldn't have the day off, not half the day off, not even sneak out an hour early. I'll be leaving my office at 5, at the very earliest.

DH goes in to work that morning at 5, he should be out by 2:30, he will go from there to Ascension to get Jacob and Deshea, then home where he will TRY to take a nap, while the kids pack the car. When I get home, we'll hop in the car and GO!

For the life of me, I can't remember how long it takes to get there. I've heard anything from 10 to 12 hours, dependent on driving speed and how many rest stops.. DH is a quick driver, to put it nicely. If anyone can narrow that time frame down for me, please do!

The plan is for DH to start out driving, with Jacob up front keeping him company, while Deshea and I try to nap in the backseat. Then when DH gets tired, we'll switch and I'll drive some with Deshea to keep me company/awake. I'll have premade sandwiches and chips in a cooler, so hopefully minimal stops!

If we are on the road by 7pm, and drive straight through, I think we can be there by 8am, allowing for the time change, Saturday morning. That would be using the worst case scenario of 12 hours. Thoughts on this welcome!


To sum it up:
Trip booked and paid for..
ADR's made..
Tentative daily itinerary made..
Disney folder ready to go...
Cast member thank you cards made..
Customized maps ordered...
Mousekeeping envelopes made...
DogSitters arranged..

What am I missing????

 

[20thingamabobs]

Congratulations on getting to plan 2 trips at once! That's my favorite! And great PTR so far (I tried to start one but haven't gotten any readers yet..)! I can't wait to hear your park itinerary!

Also, wish I could help on drive estimate but I'm from OH and it takes us 20+ hours to drive it...

 

[NOLAdisneymom]

Congratulations on getting to plan 2 trips at once! That's my favorite! And great PTR so far (I tried to start one but haven't gotten any readers yet..)! I can't wait to hear your park itinerary!

Also, wish I could help on drive estimate but I'm from OH and it takes us 20+ hours to drive it...

I'll go look for yours!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

You are so organized having all those things done already!! I'm impressed! And on already planning another trip!!

 

[TaylorsLoveDisney]

Here's what we have so far:

Friday, Nov 19... I have INVENTORY at work.. I couldn't have the day off, not half the day off, not even sneak out an hour early. I'll be leaving my office at 5, at the very earliest.

DH goes in to work that morning at 5, he should be out by 2:30, he will go from there to Ascension to get Jacob and Deshea, then home where he will TRY to take a nap, while the kids pack the car. When I get home, we'll hop in the car and GO!

For the life of me, I can't remember how long it takes to get there. I've heard anything from 10 to 12 hours, dependent on driving speed and how many rest stops.. DH is a quick driver, to put it nicely. If anyone can narrow that time frame down for me, please do!

The plan is for DH to start out driving, with Jacob up front keeping him company, while Deshea and I try to nap in the backseat. Then when DH gets tired, we'll switch and I'll drive some with Deshea to keep me company/awake. I'll have premade sandwiches and chips in a cooler, so hopefully minimal stops!

If we are on the road by 7pm, and drive straight through, I think we can be there by 8am, allowing for the time change, Saturday morning. That would be using the worst case scenario of 12 hours. Thoughts on this welcome!


To sum it up:
Trip booked and paid for..
ADR's made..
Tentative daily itinerary made..
Disney folder ready to go...
Cast member thank you cards made..
Customized maps ordered...
Mousekeeping envelopes made...
DogSitters arranged..

What am I missing????

HI!! i got this from MapQuest
Total Travel Estimate: 10 hours 7 minutes / 665.30 miles Fuel Cost: $83.00 at 21 MPG edit

so 10-12 pending on stops and traffic sounds about right

you seem to have it alll ready to go !! im leaving in 6 days and i didn't think about half those things! LOL!!! urggg,.. i know me, ill be scrambling at the last moment

 

[mickeystoontown]

Here's what we have so far:

Friday, Nov 19... I have INVENTORY at work.. I couldn't have the day off, not half the day off, not even sneak out an hour early. I'll be leaving my office at 5, at the very earliest.

DH goes in to work that morning at 5, he should be out by 2:30, he will go from there to Ascension to get Jacob and Deshea, then home where he will TRY to take a nap, while the kids pack the car. When I get home, we'll hop in the car and GO!

For the life of me, I can't remember how long it takes to get there. I've heard anything from 10 to 12 hours, dependent on driving speed and how many rest stops.. DH is a quick driver, to put it nicely. If anyone can narrow that time frame down for me, please do!

The plan is for DH to start out driving, with Jacob up front keeping him company, while Deshea and I try to nap in the backseat. Then when DH gets tired, we'll switch and I'll drive some with Deshea to keep me company/awake. I'll have premade sandwiches and chips in a cooler, so hopefully minimal stops!

If we are on the road by 7pm, and drive straight through, I think we can be there by 8am, allowing for the time change, Saturday morning. That would be using the worst case scenario of 12 hours. Thoughts on this welcome!


To sum it up:
Trip booked and paid for..
ADR's made..
Tentative daily itinerary made..
Disney folder ready to go...
Cast member thank you cards made..
Customized maps ordered...
Mousekeeping envelopes made...
DogSitters arranged..

What am I missing????

Well, we are way up in the top of Louisiana and it takes us between 14 and 16 hous to get to Disney. It all depends on what time of the day we get to leave, when we hit certain towns, weather, etc. We leave when I get home from work (about 5:30) and drive until we reach Crestview, Florida which is usually between Midnight and 1:00 a.m. The next day, we drive the rest of the way and take our time.

I wish my son would eat sandwiches so we could eat on the road. That boy is such a picky eater. Oh well, when we stop for food, we stop for potty breaks too.

From the looks of your list, it sounds like you've got everything under control.

 

[NOLAdisneymom]

HI!! i got this from MapQuest
Total Travel Estimate: 10 hours 7 minutes / 665.30 miles Fuel Cost: $83.00 at 21 MPG edit

so 10-12 pending on stops and traffic sounds about right

you seem to have it alll ready to go !! im leaving in 6 days and i didn't think about half those things! LOL!!! urggg,.. i know me, ill be scrambling at the last moment

Oh, what a sweet dream if my 4Runner would get 21mpg! LOL - Thanks for the info, I'll just have to make sure everyone uses the bathroom before we leave! SIX DAYS??? Im soooooooo jealous! We are at 59 today!~

 

[NOLAdisneymom]

Well, we are way up in the top of Louisiana and it takes us between 14 and 16 hous to get to Disney. It all depends on what time of the day we get to leave, when we hit certain towns, weather, etc. We leave when I get home from work (about 5:30) and drive until we reach Crestview, Florida which is usually between Midnight and 1:00 a.m. The next day, we drive the rest of the way and take our time.

I wish my son would eat sandwiches so we could eat on the road. That boy is such a picky eater. Oh well, when we stop for food, we stop for potty breaks too.

From the looks of your list, it sounds like you've got everything under control.

Jacob is a picky eater too (burgers and pizza only) but I've already told him, if he won't eat what I pack, he better bring his own snacks, cuz we aren't stopping!

I really don't want to stop and sleep if we don't have to, bc we only have tix for 6 days, and want to get there as early as possible on Saturday. I've got thoses ressies at Chef Mickey's at 10:50 that morning... I think.

 

[jenseib]

Congratulations on getting to plan 2 trips at once! That's my favorite! And great PTR so far (I tried to start one but haven't gotten any readers yet..)! I can't wait to hear your park itinerary!

Also, wish I could help on drive estimate but I'm from OH and it takes us 20+ hours to drive it...

Hey I'm from Oh. too. We're west of Toledo. I have drove down a few times, I think it's like 18 to 20 hours to drive from Toledo. Some times we have drove straight through, others we have stopped. I much prefer flying. LOL!



I hope you get plenty of sleep in the car....it could be a really long day.

 

[NOLAdisneymom]

My own DS9, who, while not upset that he isn't going to Disney with us this time, IS however upset that there are no pics of him on my PTR. He "requested" that I post one of him, so everyone knows what he looks like too. So here he is.. my son, my sun.

 

[jenseib]

He's a goodlooking guy!
My son, who is 21, would probalby kill me if he knew I had pics of him up on my PTR!

 

[NOLAdisneymom]

He's a goodlooking guy!
My son, who is 21, would probalby kill me if he knew I had pics of him up on my PTR!

Thanks! I wanted more kids, but was only blessed with this one, and he holds my heart!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Here's what we have so far:

Friday, Nov 19... I have INVENTORY at work.. I couldn't have the day off, not half the day off, not even sneak out an hour early. I'll be leaving my office at 5, at the very earliest.

DH goes in to work that morning at 5, he should be out by 2:30, he will go from there to Ascension to get Jacob and Deshea, then home where he will TRY to take a nap, while the kids pack the car. When I get home, we'll hop in the car and GO!

For the life of me, I can't remember how long it takes to get there. I've heard anything from 10 to 12 hours, dependent on driving speed and how many rest stops.. DH is a quick driver, to put it nicely. If anyone can narrow that time frame down for me, please do!

The plan is for DH to start out driving, with Jacob up front keeping him company, while Deshea and I try to nap in the backseat. Then when DH gets tired, we'll switch and I'll drive some with Deshea to keep me company/awake. I'll have premade sandwiches and chips in a cooler, so hopefully minimal stops!

If we are on the road by 7pm, and drive straight through, I think we can be there by 8am, allowing for the time change, Saturday morning. That would be using the worst case scenario of 12 hours. Thoughts on this welcome!


To sum it up:
Trip booked and paid for..
ADR's made..
Tentative daily itinerary made..
Disney folder ready to go...
Cast member thank you cards made..
Customized maps ordered...
Mousekeeping envelopes made...
DogSitters arranged..

What am I missing????

sounds like a great plan so far! and sounds like your list is pretty well set until the packing starts.
Leaving at 7 pm with your food and snacks in the car you guys should get there between 5:30 and 6:00 am depending on your stops. You should not encounter much traffic at those hours. In May '09 it took us 11.5 hrs with lots of stretching stops and diaper changes (I wanted to change him every few hours so he would not get a rash--Danny was livid he wasn't even wet sometimes--air does a bottom good ). This April again with stops it took us 10.5 hrs if you do not count the overnight stop (I did the time from home to hotel, from hotel to WDW). The ride is only suppose to be right under 10 hrs so you guys should do GREAT! We were sure to stop to let Ashton and my mom walk and stretch with young adults and you guys I would think a lot less stopping than we did.--Hope this helps, as we are virtually the same distance from the world as you guys.If you can limit your stops to gas fill ups you should only have three stops; one around Pensacola and than one right before Lake City, and last one just before Kissimmee (we drive a mustang so not much gas mileage and our last two trips have been in an F250 again not much better.)

My own DS9, who, while not upset that he isn't going to Disney with us this time, IS however upset that there are no pics of him on my PTR. He "requested" that I post one of him, so everyone knows what he looks like too. So here he is.. my son, my sun.

You have a very handsome young man on your hands!!!! So, sorry he is unable to join you this go round...but, how exciting that you will be going again so soon! .

 

[NOLAdisneymom]

sounds like a great plan so far! and sounds like your list is pretty well set until the packing starts.
Leaving at 7 pm with your food and snacks in the car you guys should get there between 5:30 and 6:00 am depending on your stops. You should not encounter much traffic at those hours. In May '09 it took us 11.5 hrs with lots of stretching stops and diaper changes (I wanted to change him every few hours so he would not get a rash--Danny was livid he wasn't even wet sometimes--air does a bottom good ). This April again with stops it took us 10.5 hrs if you do not count the overnight stop (I did the time from home to hotel, from hotel to WDW). The ride is only suppose to be right under 10 hrs so you guys should do GREAT! We were sure to stop to let Ashton and my mom walk and stretch with young adults and you guys I would think a lot less stopping than we did.--Hope this helps, as we are virtually the same distance from the world as you guys.If you can limit your stops to gas fill ups you should only have three stops; one around Pensacola and than one right before Lake City, and last one just before Kissimmee (we drive a mustang so not much gas mileage and our last two trips have been in an F250 again not much better.)

That is GREAT news! I can go about 400 miles on my tank of gas, its a Toyota 4runner, it gets about... 18, maybe 19mpg. so its not TOO bad.. Do you happen to know what time the check in desk opens??


You have a very handsome young man on your hands!!!! So, sorry he is unable to join you this go round...but, how exciting that you will be going again so soon! .

Thanks! He's so funny - I asked if he was upset about not going (he'll be in Indy with his father), he said "No way, I've already been there".